England opener Alastair Cook celebrates his century at the Gabba. Picture: Gregg Porteous

IT is not the cricket setting this critical first Ashes Test apart, but the character shown by those in adversity.

This has reinforced the notion that at such a rarefied level it is not so much a player’s talent but his fortitude that makes the difference when it matters.

It was on full display again yesterday, when England captain Andrew Strauss (110) and opening partner Alastair Cook (132 not out) batted their side back into a match that another character-filled pair – Mike Hussey (195) and Brad Haddin (136) – appeared to steal on Saturday.

Both pairs created history in the process with record partnerships. The 188 Strauss and Cook added was easily England’s best stand at the Gabba, while the 307 from Hussey and Haddin was the highest partnership at the ground.